Hi Tony's:

I want to buy a SoundTraxx Tsunami equipped locomotive as a gift but I don't know anything about DCC. I see you also sell the ESU Ecos command station. Will this locomotive work with the ECoS command station or do I have to find one that is an ESU brand?

Thank you for your help......Brian F.

Hi Brian:

All DCC compliant decoders, including SoundTraxx Tsunami decoders, will work with the ESU ECoS system. I hope the following sheds some light on DCC for you:

  • Digital Command Control [DCC] is a system used for controlling model railroads. 
  • DCC decoders are electronic devices that are installed in model locomotives to enable them to receive digital commands from a DCC controller such as the ECoS
  • DCC decoders are designed to be compatible with various DCC systems and can be used with any DCC-compliant system such as the ESU ECoS.
  • DCC decoders come in a variety of types and with various features. 
  • There are two main types of DCC decoders: mobile and stationary.
    • Mobile decoders are installed in locomotives
      • Some common features include the ability to control locomotive speed, direction, lighting, and sound effects. 
      • DCC decoders also have features such as programmable acceleration and deceleration rates, & multiple lighting functions, 
    • Stationary decoders have the ability to control accessory devices such as turnouts and signals.
  • DCC decoders typically receive digital commands in the form of packets of data that are transmitted over the rails of the model railroad. 
  • The decoder then interprets the data and translates it into actions such as changing the speed or direction of the locomotive.
  • However, it is important to ensure that the DCC decoder you choose is compatible with the specific locomotive or rolling stock you plan to install it in. 
  • Some DCC decoders are designed for specific scales or types of locomotives, and choosing the wrong one can result in poor performance or damage to the locomotive.
  • Additionally, some DCC systems may require specific programming or setup to properly communicate with the DCC decoder. 
  • It is important to refer to the documentation for both the DCC system and the DCC decoder to ensure compatibility and proper installation.

Overall, DCC decoders are an essential component of a modern digital model railroad system, and they offer a great deal of flexibility and control for model railroaders.